Coolpad is aggressively targeting the budget 5G market with the Cool 30 Play and Legacy 5G. While both aim to deliver affordable connectivity, they take different approaches to performance and features. The Cool 30 Play leverages MediaTek's efficient Helio G99, while the Legacy 5G relies on Qualcomm's older, but still capable, Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Cool 30 Play emerges as the better choice. Its newer Helio G99 chipset, coupled with faster 33W charging, provides a more responsive experience and quicker top-ups, outweighing the Legacy 5G's 5G connectivity advantage for those not heavily reliant on next-gen networks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - version 1 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - version 1 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Expected announcement 2024, July | 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 77 x 9.5 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSD |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Purple, Flowing Gold, Velvet Black | Yellow/Blue |
| Price | - | About 360 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 30 Play
- Faster 33W charging for quicker top-ups
- More efficient Helio G99 chipset for longer battery life
- Potentially smoother experience with a higher refresh rate display (unconfirmed)
- Lacks dedicated 5G modem of the Legacy 5G
- Camera performance likely similar to the Legacy 5G
Coolpad Legacy 5G
- Integrated 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G offers strong single-core performance
- Quick Charge 3.0 support for compatible chargers
- Slower 18W charging
- Less efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset leads to shorter battery life
- Older 7nm process may result in more heat under load
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the choice of chipset suggests a difference in display capabilities. The Helio G99 in the Cool 30 Play is often paired with higher refresh rate panels, though this isn't confirmed here. The Snapdragon 765G, being an older chip, likely drives a standard 60Hz panel. While both will likely offer adequate viewing experiences for media consumption, the Cool 30 Play *potentially* has an edge in smoothness if it utilizes a higher refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price points, both phones likely feature similar sensor setups focused on affordability. The Legacy 5G’s Snapdragon 765G includes a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) that offers good image processing capabilities, but the G99 also has a capable ISP. The real-world difference will likely come down to software optimization. We can assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions, and the inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely for marketing purposes and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool 30 Play’s MediaTek Helio G99 (6nm) features an octa-core CPU with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture is designed for efficiency and sustained performance. Conversely, the Coolpad Legacy 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm). Its CPU configuration – 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – offers a higher peak clock speed on the prime core, but the 7nm process is less efficient than the G99’s 6nm node. This translates to potentially better single-core performance on the Legacy 5G, but the Cool 30 Play should excel in multi-core tasks and maintain cooler temperatures under sustained load. The G99's newer architecture also benefits from improved AI processing capabilities.
Battery Life
The Coolpad Cool 30 Play’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Legacy 5G’s 18W charging with Quick Charge 3.0. This faster charging will dramatically reduce the time spent tethered to a wall outlet. While battery capacity isn't specified, the more efficient Helio G99 chipset in the Cool 30 Play should translate to longer battery life, even with a potentially smaller battery capacity. The 7nm Snapdragon 765G, while capable, is less power-efficient, meaning the Legacy 5G will likely require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 30 Play if you prioritize a smooth, responsive user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, and value faster charging speeds. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if 5G connectivity is absolutely essential in your area and you're willing to trade some processing power and charging speed for it. The Legacy 5G is also a better fit for users already invested in the Qualcomm ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The Helio G99 in the Cool 30 Play, while not a gaming powerhouse, is generally more efficient and may offer a more stable frame rate at medium settings.
❓ Does the Coolpad Cool 30 Play support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
Coolpad doesn't explicitly list VoWiFi support for either device. However, given the Cool 30 Play's focus on connectivity and the increasing prevalence of VoWiFi, it's likely to support it, but this will vary by carrier. Check with your mobile provider for compatibility.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Legacy 5G slow compared to other phones?
18W charging is relatively slow by today's standards, especially compared to the Cool 30 Play's 33W. Expect a full charge to take significantly longer – potentially over 2 hours. While Quick Charge 3.0 can help, it still won't match the speed of the Cool 30 Play.
